Heavy Equipment Operator

Heavy Equipment Operator

Location: Colorado Springs, CO (United States Air Force Academy)

Type: Non-Exempt

Work Schedule: Full Time. On-call work may also be required based on operational needs.

Compensation: $34.06 - $34.06 /hourly

Deadline: May 4, 2026

Benefits: Tessera is proud to offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package to our eligible part-time and full-time employees.

Full-Time benefits of a Heavy Equipment Operator at Tessera include:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) retirement plan, Life & Short-Term Disability Insurance
• $8.78/hr Health and Welfare Benefit
• Flexible Spending Accounts for both medical and dependent care
• 11 paid federal holidays and paid time off.
• Potential shared earning bonus
• Tuition assistance is available after 1 year of employment and potential scholarships for qualified dependents
• Professional development, certifications, and training opportunities
• Verizon wireless discount
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and an engaging wellness program
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility for full-time employees

Tessera is dedicated to "Creating Opportunities for People with Disabilities" by hiring and supporting individuals with disabilities as well as veterans with disabilities. We take pride in our purpose-driven culture, our core values - Inclusion, Partnerships, Integrity - and our commitment to providing a safe and respectful work environment to our employees.

Tessera is seeking a dependable and skilled Heavy Equipment Operator to support essential operations at the U.S. Air Force Academy. This hands-on role involves operating machinery such as sweepers, loaders, plows, and refuse trucks to maintain runways, roads, and base infrastructure. If you take pride in precision, safety, and teamwork, we encourage you to apply.

Duties:

• Operates various heavy and light equipment in the maintenance and new construction of projects such as preparing/paving/patching streets and parking lots,maintaingravel and other earth surfaced roads and access roads, blading roadand ditches, removing and/or installing culverts,crack sealing,clearing weeds etc.
• Read and interpret grade and slope stakes and simple plans.
• Communicate withcustomersin acourteous and respectful manner.
• Perform snow and ice removal operations across USAFA grounds, ensuring safe and efficient access to mission-critical facilities during inclement weather.
• Support paving operations by hauling materials, staging equipment, andassistingwith site prep to ensure smooth andtimelyproject execution across USAFA.
• Perform daily safety and maintenance checks.
• Clean heavy equipment as scheduled and/orrequired.
• Participate in routine maintenance.
• May grease,adjustand make emergency repairs to equipment.
• Applyall coderequirementsduringinstallations,repairsand maintenance.
• Ensure all requirementsare metas specified by the manufacturer of systems and fixtures.
• Ensureall installations, repairs and maintenance are properly sized, aligned,supportedand graded.
• Ensure all installations, repairs and maintenance meet environmental protection requirements.
• Maintainpreventive maintenanceand repair records.
• Read and understanddrawings, workplansand maps.
• Maintain professionalism in both appearance and demeanor.
• Must be able to respond within one hour when on standby.

Qualifications:

• 3-5years'operatingheavy equipment in construction, maintenance, or military support environments
• Heavy Equipment Operator Certification preferred
• Proficient in operating heavy equipment (e.g., sweepers, plows, loaders, compactors)
• Ability to read grade stakes, slope indicators, and basic construction plans
• Strong understanding of safety protocols and proper PPE usage
• Basic mechanical skills for equipment maintenance and emergency repairs

• Effective communication and teamwork in a military or structured environment

Physical Requirements:

Employees must have the ability to perform the following physical demands for extended periods of time with or without assistance. The physical demands of this position may be reasonably accommodated for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions on a case-by-case basis.

• May be required to reach, kneel, walk, stand, and use repetitive motion for several hours at a time based on position duties.
• Work may require repetitive motion, reaching, lifting, kneeling, and walking. Standing or sitting for several hours at a time, climbing in and out of a vehicle, and up and down stairs may also be required.
• Must have the perseverance to work effectively under pressure for extended periods of time.

Requirements:

• A valid state driver's license is required with the ability to obtain and maintain coverage by Tessera's insurance.
• CDL Class B required.
• Access to a federal military installation requires a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or an acceptable alternative, such as a U.S. passport or military ID, in accordance with the REAL ID Act. Please visit this website for more information: .
• Must be able to obtain and maintain applicable security clearances and installation access. A background check and E-Verify will be conducted for this position.
• A valid state driver's license is required with the ability to obtain and maintain coverage by Tessera's insurance.
• CDL Class B required.
• Access to a federal military installation requires a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or an acceptable alternative, such as a U.S. passport or military ID, in accordance with the REAL ID Act. Please visit this website for more information: .
• Must be able to obtain and maintain applicable security clearances and installation access. A background check and E-Verify will be conducted for this position.

Union Affiliation:

This position is represented by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Local 113.

Date Posted: 04/22/2026

Access to a

requires a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or an acceptable alternative, such as a U.S. passport or military ID, in accordance with the REAL ID Act.

Please visit this website for more information:

To Apply: Visit our website at

www.tessera.org

to complete an application.

Current Employees: need to log into their Workday to apply through the Jobs Hub. Please reach out to your Recruiter if you need assistance**.

Tessera is a national non-profit, government contractor that is dedicated to "Creating Opportunities for People with Disabilities" through hiring and supporting individuals with disabilities and veterans with disabilities. We take pride in our mission-focused culture, our Core Values, Diversity, Partnership, Commitment, Integrity, and Quality, and our dedication to providing a safe and respectful work environment to our employees.

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Tessera is here to help you with the recruitment process.

If you require an accommodation or support, please contact us at

(360) 475-0756 ext. 349, or emailrecruiting@tessera.org.**

Tessera is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Women/Minority/Veteran/Disabled - Tessera participates in E-Verify

Skookum is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Apply at: http://ipc.us/t/8A48F2A57D954FCD.